(Mineola NY) Residents who are still struggling to get back to normal after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy can receive information on available assistance by contacting their local elected representatives. As a public service, last week, the Nassau County Bar Association hosted a special meeting for federal, state, county and town legislators and their staff to meet with organizations, lawyers and law schools for an update on the latest Sandy Recovery resources available, in order to better assist their constituents.
Nassau County Bar Association President Peter J. Mancuso (l) meets with legislators who attended NCBA’s recent Sandy Recovery resources meeting: Nassau Legislator Ellen Birnbaum (10th LD), Nassau Legislator Donald MacKenzie (18th LD), NYS Assembly Member Michael Montesano (15th AD); North Hempstead Councilwoman Anna Kaplan; Nassau Legislator Carrié Solages (3rd LD); and North Hempstead Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Jr. (NCBA Photo by Hector Herrera)
“Since Superstorm Sandy hit Long Island more than a year ago, life has not been the same for many who live here, and it may never return to normal for some,” NCBA President Peter J. Mancuso said. “In the midst of this great crisis, however, many caring individuals stepped forward to do what Americans do best – help those in need. Many charitable and service organizations have come to the forefront to continue to assist in these efforts.”
In addition to the free legal consultation clinics offered by the Nassau County Bar Association for Sandy Recovery as well as mortgage foreclosure issues, the legislators received updates on recovery services available from other groups, including the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, Hofstra and Touro law schools, Community Development Corporation of Long Island, American Red Cross, Empire Justice Center, and programs offered through the Nassau County Executive’s Office.
The Nassau County Bar Association clinics include additional resources in the same room, including HUD certified loan modification counselors, bankruptcy attorneys, Nassau/Suffolk law services, NY Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), and Catholic Charities, which provides caseworkers for those with unmet needs. Spanish- speaking attorneys are always on hand, and assistance in any foreign language will be provided upon request. Since 2009, NCBA has held 88 clinics, assisting more than 6,000 residents.
The next clinics are scheduled for February 10 and 24, 3-6:30 p.m. at the Bar’s headquarters on 15th Street at the corner of West Street in Mineola. Reservations are required at 516-747-4070. For more information on the next NCBA clinic, contact 516-747-4070 or visit the website, www.nassaubar.org.
Founded in 1899, the Nassau County Bar Association consists of private and public attorneys, judges, legal educators and law students who demonstrate their commitment to the community by offering a variety of services for the public, including lawyer referral services, mortgage foreclosure, Sandy Recovery and senior citizen legal clinics, judicial screening, public education programs, and support for the Volunteer Lawyers Project, which provides much-needed free legal services for the indigent of Nassau County. The WE CARE Fund, a part of the NCBA’s charitable arm, assists children, the elderly and others in need, through countless projects and donations.
For more information, call (516) 747-4070 (language translation available), email info@nassaubar.org, or visit nassaubar.org.
